Rawah Trail (#961)

The first half-mile is flat and bordered closely by private land which requires staying on the trail. A significant section of this portion is often covered by water during the early season and may be boggy the rest of the time. The trail starts to climb as it enters the Rawah Wilderness. The mile-long trail to Lost Lake (#982) branches to the right about 6 miles from the Rawah trailhead. After another mile, a junction with the Camp Lake trail (#968) leads left toward Camp Lake, Upper and Lower Sandbar Lakes (#972) and Big Rainbow Lake. The trail to the right leads to Rawah Lake #1 where it meets with the south ends of both Link Trail (#963) and McIntyre Lake Trail (#964) before continuing on to other Rawah Lakes. It then ascends four hundred feet to cross over Grassy Pass, then follows the North Fork of the Laramie River, and ends at an intersection with the West Branch Trail (#960). A mile-long spur trail to the south ascends along the North Fork stream to Twin Crater Lakes. The Rawah Trailhead has parking capacity for 15 vehicles and 4 horse trailers. Also, there is a vault toilet but no drinking water. Rawah trailhead accommodates approximately 15 vehicles.

You can find more information at Poudre Wilderness Volunteers (PWV). PWV has separate descriptions for the north and south sections of Rawah Trail. Download trail summary here.

At a Glance

Usage:

Light

Restrictions:

General Wilderness Regulations: Dogs must be on a hand held leash. No motorized or mechanized equipment. Camps, campfires and stock, where allowed, at least 200 feet from water and trails. Group size limited to 12 people or stock animals combined. Closure Regulations: Alpine area closure, stoves only above 10,800 feet elevation (tree line).

Closest Towns:

Red Feather Lakes, Rustic, Laramie, WY

Water:

Water can be filtered and treated from nearby water sources

Restroom:

Practice Leave No Trace principles.

General Information

Directions: Travel 11 miles northwest of Fort Collins on U.S. Highway 287 to Colorado Highway 14. Turn left on CO 14, and travel 52 miles to County Road 103, Laramie River Road. Turn right and travel north 13 miles to parking on the right and the trailhead on the left.

Recreation Map

Activities

Hiking

HIDE

Day Hiking

Rawah trailhead accommodates approximately 15 vehicles.

Fire Information

Check for any seasonal fire restrictions before your hike. This trail is within the Rawah Wilderness Area, where campfires must be at least 200 feet from water and trails. You may collect dead and down wood; do not break branches from standing trees for firewood. Please attend to campfires at all times. Touch any remaining coals with the bare hand to insure campfire is cold and dead out. Remember, if it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave!

Difficulty Level:

Most Difficult

Backpacking

Rawah trailhead accommodates approximately 15 vehicles.

Fire Information

Check for any seasonal fire restrictions before your hike. This trail is within the Rawah Wilderness Area, where campfires must be at least 200 feet from water and trails. You may collect dead and down wood; do not break branches from standing trees for firewood. Please attend to campfires at all times. Touch any remaining coals with the bare hand to insure campfire is cold and dead out. Remember, if it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave!